Trace hits the road to record an album with his ex-girlfriend but has trouble channeling creative inspiration while he is away from Abby. A well-intentioned Jess creates trouble for Bree when she advertises that a famous author will attend a book reading at Bree’s new bookstore.

Nell discovers a treasure map that Bree made as a teen, leading Bree and Kevin to hunt for a family time capsule in the backyard. While Trace is in Nashville fighting his producer Mark Hall to keep Leigh on an upcoming album at the risk of his own career, Abby meets a handsome widower in the PTA.

After his band’s video goes viral, Trace receives offers from music executives, but tries to convince his band to give Mark Hall another shot. Abby, Nell and Megan spend some family time together preparing a princess birthday party for Carrie.

After Mark offers Trace and his band a worldwide tour deal, Trace and Abby worry about how it might impact their future together. As Nell ponders a lost love from her past, Abby, Jess and Bree are faced with the possibility of losing their new loves in the present.

Just in time for the Chesapeake Shores Oyster Festival, Trace returns to Abby after three months on tour, only to discover a family in turmoil: Bree's completed manuscript turns out to be a thinly veiled story of the family, and Mick ends the fight over the family Trust but begins a feud with Connor after a fateful mistake.

While Jess and Bree discover David's parents' secret plans, Abby joins Trace on tour, realizing that it will be impossible to stay clear of Trace's newfound fame. Thomas's vow renewal sparks Mick and Megan to re-examine their own relationship, as Connor reconciles with Kevin.

Chaos reigns with the closure of the Bridge, and the O'Briens are at war over Bree's manuscript. Meanwhile, Kevin is heartbroken visiting Sarah's family in Philadelphia, especially after he's offered his dream job back in Chesapeake Shores. When Trace realizes that he might not return to Chesapeake Shores, his relationship with Abby is cast into doubt, as Jess wonders if her relationship with David can survive without the B&B.

Trace rethinks sharing ownership of The Bridge with Mick. Jay helps Abby reconsider her priorities. Jess and David find themselves hosting guests before they are ready. Connor pursues an intriguing new opportunity. Kevin and Sarah discuss their future. Bree prepares for opening day of her play.

As season four comes to a close, Trace and the O’Briens face decisions affecting their personal and professional lives. Trace weighs his relationship with Emma against her musical potential. Abby and Connor consider new career paths, while a new agent has Bree questioning what’s next.